I think Jake Connor to us makes a lot of sense, but it's not without huge risk.

Kris has pointed out why we could do with him above, but I think Connor needs the move probably more than we do. I think Connor is one of the most naturally gifted players produced by SL over the last 10 years, but for whatever reason (mindset, ego, personal issues etc.), he's at massive risk of his career fizzling out without really having achieved anything of significance.

The best I've personally seen of him is when he played centre for England under Wayne Bennett. IMO he's spent too much of his career being a big fish in a small pond, and it could be the making of him being the other way around. Then again, it could totally flop.

One thing is for sure, I trust BA way more on this one than I would if the rumour had come out when RS was coach.

The other thing Connor could offer is cover at half back. The jury is out on whether Sinfield will ever make it. He looks a long way from a starting halfback to me, and yet we're one injury away from that. Having another player at the club who has at least some experience playing in the halves is not a bad thing.

As for his attitude or whatever, I think we've started to see the Brad Arthur who survived as an NRL head coach for years since the season ended. Connor would clearly be a big gamble, but having a coach who won't stand for any nonsense and who has coached genuine stars like Hayne before makes it a lower risk, as per exiled Rhino's comment.

Feels like there is a big shake up coming doesn't it.
Hall and Connor are cheap home grown stop gaps that give us overseas options elsewhere.
The pack is clearly a big problem and I think that is where OS quota spots will be used.
We may have to live with the likes of Hall and Connor in the backs for a year to support this.

I can understand that.

It's just knowing that in the past we have seemed to wait too long and ended up shopping the bargin bin.

Just got to trust IB and BA

Yeah spot on, unless they are part of the 4 teams left in SL or 2 in Aus most players are finished with the season so hoping we get some movement soon enough, whens season ticket renewal? usually have something out by then, didnt tetevano get announced around xmas IIRC?

We get the same posts every year saying weve left it too late etc etc, most teams haven’t announced or sorted out all their signings for next year. Both NRL and SL hasn’t even finished yet and that’s when business will get done, or when signings will be announced.

Eg when did we sign Croft and Ackers!

I'm more concerned about getting the right players rather than when they are announced. The latter is a commercially strategic topic, the former is a business critical topic.

Touche

IIRC we announced Goudemand early (mid-season), but it didn't make him a good player. There is no correlation between the lateness of the announcement and the quality of said signing.

Surely wanting to have a long and consistent pre-season has got to the be the main aim for early signings. We need to be aiming for a fitter and more injury resilient squad for next year. That's a combination of personnel and conditioning.

I was absolutely sick to death earlier in the year how much RS and pundits would say that our spine weren't clicking because they hadn't had long together, even 12 - 15 rounds into the season. From round 1 next year, I want a fit side with lot's of cohesion.

The need for a tough off season is the main reason for wanting players to come in earlier for me. I don't think there have been many signings announced across the board yet? Sailor to Sts is the only big name signing I can think of.